SLPA to increase service volume

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

Measures have been taken by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to increase the volume of port related services, including cargo handling activities, Ports and Highways Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena said.

During the past few years the SLPA has succeeded in achieving a considerable growth in port related activities in line with the national drive to make the country the air and sea cargo transshipment hub of Asia.

Under the national drive the, SLPA has made arrangements to promote joint ventures in terminal operations, terminal management and consultancy services. Besides, the SLPA workforce will be undergoing training on the latest technologies used in the port sector and port related disciplines.

The SLPA intends to invite offers from port and terminal developers for the construction and operation of the West terminal of the Colombo Port expansion project, which is nearing completion, the minister added.

According to him, port related services in the the Indian Sub Continent has grown significantly. With the commissioning of the Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port Sri Lanka is at an advantage of receiving a large share of the potential market.